Italian Lake District 9 Days?
May 8th, 2013, 09:37 AM
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Italian Lake District 9 Days?
I reread many threads on the Italian Lake District but still find I am confused. If you fly into Milan and go to lake Como how easy is it to get to Lugano for a day or more? Also how easy is it to get to Stressa or Lake Maggiore or Lake Garda? Some say one thing with a car some without. What is best? I think I would prefer trains/ferries etc. If you had 9 days would you just stay in the lake area during first week of July or add Portofino/Santa Margharita for a few days? I have seen itineraries where it is 3 days portofino and 3 days lake como....and?
May 8th, 2013, 11:18 AM
#4
Start with bob's question. What do you want to do? And what are your priorities (because 9 days isn't a long visit)?
Is this your entire trip or will you move on to another destination after these 9 days?
You're confused by the comments you've read because everyone has different travel goals and tastes. For some, 3 days on Lake Como is "enough" and others (like me) could stay forever. Some prefer to use only public transportation and others like having a car to reach more remote destinations and/or not to rely on public trans timetables. Some places are easier than others to use as a base when you have a car.
If it were my trip, I'd go to only two destinations with perhaps some day-trip plans. You'll lose a half day changing hotels and moving from one base to another. FWIW, I like the idea of combining Lake Como and Lake Lugano. Easy access from/to Malpensa, easy transfer between and different atmospheres. I would also spend part or all of a day in Milan seeing the sights there.
There is much to see on Lake Como, most of it easily accessed by ferry. But it's also easy to day-trip to Lugano. There is bus service between Menaggio (Lake Como western shore) and Lugano. The one-way journey takes about an hour.
You can also day-trip to Bergamo from Lake Como. The train between Varenna-Esino and Bergamo takes 75 minutes. Or you can take a train from Varenna going the opposite direction, north toward the mountains. Morbegno is less than 45 minutes, Sondrio about 75 minutes, with many smaller towns along the way.
Is this your entire trip or will you move on to another destination after these 9 days?
You're confused by the comments you've read because everyone has different travel goals and tastes. For some, 3 days on Lake Como is "enough" and others (like me) could stay forever. Some prefer to use only public transportation and others like having a car to reach more remote destinations and/or not to rely on public trans timetables. Some places are easier than others to use as a base when you have a car.
If it were my trip, I'd go to only two destinations with perhaps some day-trip plans. You'll lose a half day changing hotels and moving from one base to another. FWIW, I like the idea of combining Lake Como and Lake Lugano. Easy access from/to Malpensa, easy transfer between and different atmospheres. I would also spend part or all of a day in Milan seeing the sights there.
There is much to see on Lake Como, most of it easily accessed by ferry. But it's also easy to day-trip to Lugano. There is bus service between Menaggio (Lake Como western shore) and Lugano. The one-way journey takes about an hour.
You can also day-trip to Bergamo from Lake Como. The train between Varenna-Esino and Bergamo takes 75 minutes. Or you can take a train from Varenna going the opposite direction, north toward the mountains. Morbegno is less than 45 minutes, Sondrio about 75 minutes, with many smaller towns along the way.
May 8th, 2013, 11:31 AM
#5
I forgot to mention that it's an easy day-trip by train (30 minutes) from Lugano to Bellinzona where you can see the town's 3 castles (UNESCO heritage sites).
http://www.bellinzonaturismo.ch/en.aspx
http://www.bellinzonaturismo.ch/en.aspx
May 8th, 2013, 12:07 PM
#6
with 9 days i would concentrate on Como and Lugano, using the boats, buses and trains.
though not impossible, it will be more difficult to get to Maggiore and Garda and anyway, you don't have enough time to see them AND to do Como justice.
We spent 2 weeks on Maggiore and one on Garda and never ran out of things to do.
though not impossible, it will be more difficult to get to Maggiore and Garda and anyway, you don't have enough time to see them AND to do Como justice.
We spent 2 weeks on Maggiore and one on Garda and never ran out of things to do.
May 8th, 2013, 12:41 PM
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Jean says it well, but let me add some comments.
With 9 days I would plan 2 destinations. Certainly mid-lake Como--probably Bellagio with day trips to the other villages.
I would day trip by bus from Menaggio to Lugano as suggested by Jean.
Then, I would transition by train via Milan ot Stresa on Lago Maggiore---worth 4 days in my book---and with easy access to MXP. Orta is not far but is not feasible without a car.
Garda is an entire different trip and Orta is a day trip from Stresa---and that is 5 lakes---my favorite part of Italia.
With 9 days I would plan 2 destinations. Certainly mid-lake Como--probably Bellagio with day trips to the other villages.
I would day trip by bus from Menaggio to Lugano as suggested by Jean.
Then, I would transition by train via Milan ot Stresa on Lago Maggiore---worth 4 days in my book---and with easy access to MXP. Orta is not far but is not feasible without a car.
Garda is an entire different trip and Orta is a day trip from Stresa---and that is 5 lakes---my favorite part of Italia.
May 8th, 2013, 02:20 PM
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Thank you so much for the information! It sounds like I should either do
4 days Lake Como,
4 days Lugano and
1 day Milan or
4 days Lake Como ( day trip to Lugano),
4 days Lake Maggiore (Stressa) and either one more day in either of those two locations or a day in Milan.
It doesn't sound like anyone would do 3 days Portofino area and than on to the lake Como for the balance?
Would 4 days in Lugano be to long?
Bobthenavigator nice to know the lakes are your favorite part of Italy!
4 days Lake Como,
4 days Lugano and
1 day Milan or
4 days Lake Como ( day trip to Lugano),
4 days Lake Maggiore (Stressa) and either one more day in either of those two locations or a day in Milan.
It doesn't sound like anyone would do 3 days Portofino area and than on to the lake Como for the balance?
Would 4 days in Lugano be to long?
Bobthenavigator nice to know the lakes are your favorite part of Italy!
May 8th, 2013, 05:14 PM
#9
IMO, 4 days almost anywhere is perfect, especially if you plan any day trips. The lakes in particular are geared for a slower pace of travel. But are these 4 full days (not impacted by arriving, departing or transferring) and not 3+ days?
Portofino is a bit removed from and in the opposite direction from the lakes and Milan. It's a lovely destination but perhaps better left for another trip.
I like Milan more than most here. The Duomo, the Last Supper (reservations required), a walk through the Galleria, a peek at La Scala, good food, good shopping (even the window kind), some great museums... I would spend the day before your departing flight in the city. Arrive in the morning, leave your luggage at your hotel, and spend the rest of the day exploring. The train to Malpensa from either the Centrale or Cadorna Nord station is super easy.
Portofino is a bit removed from and in the opposite direction from the lakes and Milan. It's a lovely destination but perhaps better left for another trip.
I like Milan more than most here. The Duomo, the Last Supper (reservations required), a walk through the Galleria, a peek at La Scala, good food, good shopping (even the window kind), some great museums... I would spend the day before your departing flight in the city. Arrive in the morning, leave your luggage at your hotel, and spend the rest of the day exploring. The train to Malpensa from either the Centrale or Cadorna Nord station is super easy.
May 9th, 2013, 06:08 AM
#10
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I think you are right Jean it is less days with the coming and going. this is what I am thinking but maybe I should consolidate somehow or change the direction?
Fly out JFK 28
Arrive Milan 29 morning and go to Stressa for 2 nites
30 Stressa
1 go to como 3 nights
2 como
3 como
4 go to Lugano 2 nights
5 lugano
6 go to Milan 1 night
7 departure later in day
I am sure you will tell me to consolidate
would love your opinion!
Thanks so much for all of the input!! If I can do this by train/boats I think it is easier as well. I donot know how one gets from stressa to como or como to lugano.....assuming a train?
Fly out JFK 28
Arrive Milan 29 morning and go to Stressa for 2 nites
30 Stressa
1 go to como 3 nights
2 como
3 como
4 go to Lugano 2 nights
5 lugano
6 go to Milan 1 night
7 departure later in day
I am sure you will tell me to consolidate
would love your opinion!Thanks so much for all of the input!! If I can do this by train/boats I think it is easier as well. I donot know how one gets from stressa to como or como to lugano.....assuming a train?
May 9th, 2013, 08:27 AM
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If I did 2 nights stresa, 3 nights lugano, 3 nights como is that to crazy getting from place to place? It sounds like Stresa is easy to get to from the airport. How does one than go from Stresa to Lugano and than is it just a bus/train or ferry from lugano to Lake Como? it seems my hotels work out this way. I like the idea of stopping in Stresa to see the gardens, palaces and borromean islands. Thinking of staying at Grand Hotel Des Illes Borromes if anyone has any comments and Splendid Royal in Lugano?
May 9th, 2013, 10:41 AM
#13
I don't know that Stresa to Lugano or Lake Como is 'very' difficult, but it does take more time and at least an additional step/train. I don't know of any bus service, but perhaps someone else here can comment on that.
The bigger problem I see in adding a third destination is the short time you have everywhere. Some people like to travel that way, but I would more time in each place. Getting around by ferry is not exactly high-speed sightseeing. Have you thought about what you want to see/do on each lake and how long that will take?
Lastly, I presume you'll want to stay in the mid-lake area of Como (Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo). If your days there will fall on a weekend, I suggest you secure lodging reservations ASAP. The lake is a popular weekend getaway destination.
The bigger problem I see in adding a third destination is the short time you have everywhere. Some people like to travel that way, but I would more time in each place. Getting around by ferry is not exactly high-speed sightseeing. Have you thought about what you want to see/do on each lake and how long that will take?
Lastly, I presume you'll want to stay in the mid-lake area of Como (Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo). If your days there will fall on a weekend, I suggest you secure lodging reservations ASAP. The lake is a popular weekend getaway destination.
May 9th, 2013, 11:22 AM
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Stresa - Varenna: train about every 2 hrs, 3-4 hrs journey
Stresa - Lugano: train via Milano - Como, about 3 hrs journey
or hydrofoil Stresa dp 10.00 - Locarno ar 11.30, dp by train 12.03 - Lugano ar 12.57
or boat Stresa dp 11.15 - Luino ar 12.45, dp by train 13.15 - Bellinzona ar 14.14 - Lugano ar 14.47
Lugano - Menaggio: bus about every 2 hrs; 1 hr journey
http://www.sptlinea.it/Portals/5/Doc...ago/C%2012.pdf
Stresa - Lugano: train via Milano - Como, about 3 hrs journey
or hydrofoil Stresa dp 10.00 - Locarno ar 11.30, dp by train 12.03 - Lugano ar 12.57
or boat Stresa dp 11.15 - Luino ar 12.45, dp by train 13.15 - Bellinzona ar 14.14 - Lugano ar 14.47
Lugano - Menaggio: bus about every 2 hrs; 1 hr journey
http://www.sptlinea.it/Portals/5/Doc...ago/C%2012.pdf
May 9th, 2013, 02:16 PM
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Are you flying in and out of Malpensa Milan airport? Because you can get a bus directly from the airport to Lugano in an hour. So I would start there.
Then go to Lago di Como by bus, and then finish up your trip in Stresa. From Stresa, you can catch a bus directly to Malpensa, but make sure your hotel in Stresa reserves you a ride the day before.
I suggest:
3 nights in Lugano
3 nights Lago di Como (take the bus to Menaggio and then ride the ferry to Varenna)
3 nights Stresa (take the train from Varenna, but stop for a few hours in Milan, store your luggage see some of the sights)
If you need to fly out the morning of the 9th day, not your 10th day, then I suggest you spend only 2 nights in Lugano.
Then go to Lago di Como by bus, and then finish up your trip in Stresa. From Stresa, you can catch a bus directly to Malpensa, but make sure your hotel in Stresa reserves you a ride the day before.
I suggest:
3 nights in Lugano
3 nights Lago di Como (take the bus to Menaggio and then ride the ferry to Varenna)
3 nights Stresa (take the train from Varenna, but stop for a few hours in Milan, store your luggage see some of the sights)
If you need to fly out the morning of the 9th day, not your 10th day, then I suggest you spend only 2 nights in Lugano.
May 9th, 2013, 02:18 PM
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I forgot to add that in July you can usually take a bus from Stresa to Lago d'Orta. So with 3 nights in Stresa, you would have time to do that because it really doesn't take much time to see the islands in Lago Maggiore.
May 9th, 2013, 02:42 PM
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I would really like to go to Stresa and the ille sol boromee islands and take the fumiria cable car. I also do not want to spend that much time in Lugano, a couple of days would be enough for us I think. I agree with you Jean the travel time definitely makes a difference! Neckervd it sounds like the hydrofoil is doable! Does it leave you near the train by any chance? Thank you so much for these connections! I think if I go straight from Malpensa to Stresa spend a couple of days and than on to Lugano and down to Como it will all work. I actually plan on staying Cernobio even though Bellagio sounds like the preferred town. I have reservations Illes Borromes, Lugano and Cernobio which is sort of why the plan worked in that direction.
Another thought, Jean, would be to go just to Stresa and do a day trip to Lago d'orta, and than back to Milan to Como and stay there and do a day trip to Lugano? You do have to go back to Milan to get from Stresa to Como (cernobio) right?
Another thought, Jean, would be to go just to Stresa and do a day trip to Lago d'orta, and than back to Milan to Como and stay there and do a day trip to Lugano? You do have to go back to Milan to get from Stresa to Como (cernobio) right?
May 9th, 2013, 03:10 PM
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If you end your trip in Cernobbio, are you planning on having a taxi take you to the airport to fly home?
If you end your trip in Lugano, you can take a bus directly to the airport in one hour at a fraction of the cost.
If you are traveling in July, you should be able to rearrange your hotel reservations without penalty, unless possibly you booked at Villa d'Este.
If you end your trip in Lugano, you can take a bus directly to the airport in one hour at a fraction of the cost.
If you are traveling in July, you should be able to rearrange your hotel reservations without penalty, unless possibly you booked at Villa d'Este.
May 9th, 2013, 03:13 PM
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May 9th, 2013, 03:58 PM
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I did book at Villa D'este and they only have those last three nights available for me so......
I think I will do what you suggested and do Stresa 3 nights ( go directly there from Malpensa)( do the islands, do Lago D'orta as day trips) get to Lugano by hydrofoil? and stay two nights, and than get to Cernobio on Lake Como. Yes, I will probably have to get a taxi to the airport from there. This is doable, right? I am so excited to get to Stresa and Lago D'orta as well. I have always wanted to see them! I know they are small but the gardens and villas sound lovely. If anyone has any other suggestions I am open to hearing them! This forum has always helped me create my BEST trips! Thank you so much for your invaluable input!! You can search and read and search again and still not get it! Thank you!
I think I will do what you suggested and do Stresa 3 nights ( go directly there from Malpensa)( do the islands, do Lago D'orta as day trips) get to Lugano by hydrofoil? and stay two nights, and than get to Cernobio on Lake Como. Yes, I will probably have to get a taxi to the airport from there. This is doable, right? I am so excited to get to Stresa and Lago D'orta as well. I have always wanted to see them! I know they are small but the gardens and villas sound lovely. If anyone has any other suggestions I am open to hearing them! This forum has always helped me create my BEST trips! Thank you so much for your invaluable input!! You can search and read and search again and still not get it! Thank you!
